Correlation of Pre-Swirl Effectiveness with the Turbulent Flow Parameter and Application to the Mitsubishi MF111 Up-Grade

摘要

Analysis and testing were carried out to investigate the effectiveness of a turbine cooling air pre-swirl system and to determine the relationship with the turbulent flow parameter. The pre-swirler consisted of a low number of discrete round nozzles. The low nozzle count was the result of geometric constraints of an existing engine, the 15 MW Mitsubishi MF 111. The incorporation of the pre-swirler allowed a significant increase in rotor inlet temperature while maintaining blade metal temperature levels. The increased rotor inlet temperature provided the desired increase in output. The increased output, with the low cost pre-swirler, provides a high value to MF111 up-grade customers.